The “Providing Resources to End the Vaping Epidemic Now for Teenagers (Prevent) Act” was introduced by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) and Pete King (R-N.Y.), with the intention of combating teen vaping. “To reverse this extremely disturbing trend, the bipartisan and bicameral PREVENT Act will educate youth about the dangers of e-cigarette use by providing students, parents and school personnel the vital resources they need to prevent e-cigarette use on the ground. Importantly, this legislation requires the e-cigarette companies — not taxpayers or consumers — to foot the bill,” said Krishnamoorthi.

“This legislation will go a long way to ensuring our children and adolescents are not being exposed to the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction. I am proud to work with Rep. Krishnamoorthi and Senator Durbin to end this epidemic and ensure the well-being of our youth,” added King.

The estimated fees imposed on e-cig manufacturers and importers, would amount to $200 million net.

The lawmakers said that the estimated fees imposed on manufacturers and importers of e-cigarettes would amount to approximately $200 million net, which would then be directed to the CDC and FDA in order to create anti-vaping educational programs in schools.

Training for school personnel

The measure would require the prevention programs to train school personnel to identify and prevent youth vaping, conduct social media and marketing campaigns to educate students on health risks of e-cigarettes and also provide help to treat existing nicotine addiction. The bill would also allow state and local health agencies and nonprofits that work with under-served populations to apply with the CDC for grants, in order to be able to carry out the programs at middle and high schools.